Who We Are
Westgate Refugee Support provides teaching, resources and financial support for refugee children from Myanmar now living a precarious existence in Malaysia. For 10 years we have visited Malaysia and supported 8 refugee schools and refugee support agencies.
Who We Support
We work in Malaysia where the government is a reluctant host to many asylum seekers and refugees from the region. One of the largest groups of refugees now living in Malaysia are from Myanmar. Religious persecution and military action in Myanmar has driven hundreds of thousands of citizens to flee to nearby countries, including Malaysia. Whilst the world media has focused on the Rohingya massacre and subsequent mass flight to Bangladesh, other minority groups have also been displaced. We work primarily with the Chin, Kachin and Karen refugees who have also fled forced military service and religious persecution.
What We Do
As a small committed team, we raise funds here in Australia so that we can make regular donations to the schools and refugee support agencies in Malaysia. Our members, who are all volunteers, visit the refugees frequently throughout the year to provide financial, material and professional help in a variety of ways. We encourage others to visit with us to teach in the refugee schools, or assist with training refugee teachers who are teaching refugee children without formal qualifications. We know that our visits provide hope and reassurance that the world has not forgotten their plight in the long wait for resettlement to a third country.
115+
thousand dollars donated
Since our beginning in 2012 we have raised over AUD $115,000 which has directly impacted the lives of the most vulnerable refugees in Malaysia.
10+
Years Serving communities
We have built long-lasting relationships with the refugee communities in Malaysia and have established a deep sense of trust that allows us to do what we do.
5+
thousand children Impacted
Through our teacher training, curriculum development and English classes we have directly impacted the education outcomes of over 5,500 children.
Give the gift of education to set up a child for life.
Children who have fled Myanmar with their parents are living a precarious life in Malaysia. They are not allowed to attend Malaysian schools, generally both their parents are working to make enough for the family to live on and the children and their families live a shadowy existence, seeking to stay away from the attention of authorities to avoid being deported back to Myanmar.
A contribution to Westgate Refugee Support can give these children the gift of education. All donations will be used to fund schools for children from Myanmar. The schools provide a place for the children to learn, safety while their parents are at work and a nourishing mid-day meal.
“Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. ”
Volunteer trips to Malaysia
We frequently visit Malaysia with others from Australia who have a passion for working with refugees. Through pre-trip training and on the ground support everyone is able to contribute to the education of refugees or support other refugee agencies in their work. We would love for you to be involved!
Get Involved!
Learn about volunteer trips
If you have a passion for working with refugees, get involved! We run trips every year with a diverse range of people.
Volunteer in Australia
We often run fundraisers and advocacy events locally, and we would love your help! Drop us a line.
Make a Donation
Every contribution - no matter how small - will directly impact the lives of refugees. We have no overhead costs.
“Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Mary MacKillop